Sports

Sports Shorts – January 31, 2014

Capt. Jon Mathers, 607th Air Control Squadron chief of training, performs a pullup Jan. 18 at Luke Air Force Base while training for a CrossFit competition that took place last weekend.

rong>Training facility not just for already fit

Story and photo by Senior Airman JASON COLBERT, 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The smell of sweat. The sound of weights hitting the floor. Rock music blaring.

This may be an intimidating scene to enter for some people. But it is a common greeting for those that frequent the Luke Air Force Base Warrior Training Facility.

The Bryant Fitness Center offers a facility in which one can go to receive comprehensive fitness training at no cost to the member. It’s a one-stop location for people looking to improve their fitness through exercises similar to those of CrossFit. Sherri Biringer, 56th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist supervisor, is one of the certified personal trainers and Level I CrossFit instructors.

“I began doing this because I was directed by former 56th Fighter Wing commander, Maj. Gen. Kurt Neubauer,” Biringer says. “I kept doing it because I love it. I am building strength. I’m 48 and feel like I’m in my 20s.”

The facility is also a place to improve physical training test scores. It provides machines for strength training, classes and recommended workouts for the more regimen-minded, and trainers to guide, encourage and motivate. With the ability to connect with trainers one-on-one, individuals have someone to go to when they need help.

A workout doesn’t have to cause fear, Biringer says. It isn’t just for the already fit. For those who are apprehensive about going to the facility either because of inexperience or injury, the professionals scale workouts to fit each person’s abilities.

“I used to be a body builder,” said Capt. Jon Mathers, 607th Air Control Squadron chief of training. “I competed in men’s physique events. I have always been into fitness and consider myself fit, but this workout kicks my butt every time.”

The Warrior Training Facility doesn’t focus on weight lifting in the traditional sense. It focuses on a type of workout called “functional fitness.”

“Everything about the workout will transfer into everyday life and help with endurance,” Mathers said. “You are doing strength training, stretching and cardiovascular workouts.

“I love lifting heavy objects and putting them down,” he said. “Instead of just going into the weight room, this workout gets you doing all sorts of things.”

The trainers have as their goal to instill fitness life changes.

“Fitness needs to be part of everyone’s life, not just something you do to get ready for the PT test,” Biringer said. “You need to incorporate something every day into your life. You’ll feel so much better. Disease will go down and you‘ll just feel so much better having fitness in your life.”

For more information on the Warrior Training Facility and the services provided there, call the Bryant Fitness Center at 623-856-6241 or stop by.

Valentine’s Day 5k

The Valentine’s Day 5k run run is 7 a.m. Feb. 7 at the 944th Fighter Wing headquarters building. There will be trophies, prizes and refreshments. For more information, call 623-856-6241.

Intramural basketball

Intramural basketball games are 6 to 8 p.m. March 3 through April 3 at the Bryant Fitness Center. The games are open to military identification card holders. For more information, call 623-856-6241.

Biggest Loser competition

The Luke Air Force Base Biggest Loser competition is Feb. 24 through May 27. contestants must attend the initial registration, weigh-in and workshop at 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the health and wellness center, Bldg. 700. For more information, call 623-856-6241.

Youth winter basketball

A youth winter basketball training clinic is 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays for eight weeks beginning Feb. 4 at the youth center gym. The clinic is open to youth program member boys and girls, ages 7 to 12. Register today. The cost is $20 per person and includes a T-shirt. For more information, call 623-856-7470.

President’s Day tournament

The President’s Day golf tournament is 8 a.m. shotgun start Feb. 17 at Falcon Dunes Golf Course. The cost is $47 per club member, $52 per nonmember and $57 per guest, and includes green fees, range balls, cart rental and lunch. Prizes will be awarded. For more information, call 623-535-9334.

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The Thunderbolt is published by Aerotech News and Review, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.
Contents of the Thunderbolt are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.

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Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs office of Luke AFB, Ariz. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.